Dictionary.com
definitions

distrain

[dih-streyn]Law.

verb (used with object)

to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.
to levy a distress upon.

verb (used without object)

to levy a distress.

Nearby words

  1. distraction,
  2. distractive,
  3. distractively,
  4. distractor,
  5. distrail,
  6. distrainee,
  7. distraint,
  8. distrait,
  9. distraite,
  10. distraught

Origin of distrain

1250–1300; Middle English distreinen < Anglo-French, Old French destreindre < Latin distringere to stretch out, equivalent to di- di-2 + stringere to draw tight; see strain1
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for distrainee

distrainee

noun

law a person whose property has been seized by way of distraint

distrain

verb

law to seize (personal property) by way of distress
Derived Formsdistrainable, adjectivedistrainment, noundistrainor or distrainer, noun

Word Origin for distrain

C13: from Old French destreindre, from Latin distringere to impede, from dis- 1 + stringere to draw tight
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012